D.A.R.E. Youth Advocacy Board

The Youth Advocacy Board (YAB), initiated by D.A.R.E. America in 2000 is composed of 50 members, one student per State in the United States. Students are selected through a state-wide search. International students are also eligible to serve.

The YAB gives D.A.R.E. graduates an opportunity to speak to issues impacting the national and worldwide D.A.R.E. program and to advise D.A.R.E. America and local D.A.R.E. programs, government and community leaders on drug and violence prevention strategies beneficial to our youth.

In addition, the YAB is a working board, leading Peer PLUS Programs (after-school programs for youth in their communities where there is interest), engaging in letter writing and media response, as well as role modeling and speaking at D.A.R.E. functions within their states.

Members of the YAB are eligible for the D.A.R.E. America Scholarship upon their graduation from high school.

The D.A.R.E. America Board of Directors is pleased to offer a $20,000 scholarship to recognize academic excellence and reward students who remain true to the goals of the D.A.R.E. program. This scholarship is awarded annually to a qualified 12th grade [...]

Pledge or Oath

Must pledge:

We will work independently, and as a united body, to help others resist the pressure to become involved in drugs, violence, and to lead safe and healthy lives. We will always remain true to our pledge to be positive role models through our personal commitment to a drug and violence free life.

We will be committed advocates within our states and communities as we interact with others to promote awareness of, participation in, and involvement with the D.A.R.E. Program. We will always remember that we represent millions of young people from across the country who also strives to remain drug and violence free, and we will always speak out to champion the values that D.A.R.E. America represents.

Responsibilities/Expectations

The main projects that YAB members participate in on a national level include:

**Travel expenses are covered by D.A.R.E. and a per diem is provided for meals that are not provided. Expenses are covered for both YAB member and one chaperone.

Term of appointment

Term begins freshman or sophomore year until their senior year: 2-4 years

Projects

Project subject are determined each year by D.A.R.E.’s CEO. In general, YAB projects assist YAB members individually and D.A.R.E. America collectively to market and advocate D.A.R.E. education programs. For example, in 2016, YAB members were asked to review the new D.A.R.E. high school curriculum and, after receiving relevant training, create a promotional PSA video.

Scholarship

About the scholarship:

The D.A.R.E. America National Scholarship is for $20,000 and is awarded annually to a qualified graduating YAB senior high school student to attend the university or college of their choice. Notification of the Scholarship is usually sent out in January and deadline to apply is in March

The requirements for eligibility are as follows:

Must be a U.S. citizen

Must have completed junior year of high school at time of application

Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0

Must not be related to a current D.A.R.E. officer/administrator

Must apply only to an accredited institution (4 years) in the U.S.

Must lead a lifestyle consistent with the goals and objectives of D.A.R.E.

Must be a member of the D.A.R.E. America Youth Advocacy Board

Scholarship Terms and Conditions:

To maintain eligibility for participation in award of the 2016 D.A.R.E. America National Scholarship the recipient must meet the following criteria:

Be enrolled in an accredited college or university within the United States.

Be a full time student as defined by the college or university in which enrolled.

Maintain status as a student in good academic standing (not be on academic probation) as set forth in policy established by the college or university in which enrolled.

At the conclusion of each academic year, forward to D.A.R.E. America a copy of academic transcripts.

Lead a lifestyle consistent with and upholding the goals and objectives of the D.A.R.E. America program.

Refrain from any use of illicit substance and abuse of tobacco or alcohol.

At the request of D.A.R.E. America, on occasion, appear at special events on behalf of the D.A.R.E. America program. The recipient shall bear no expense for attendance at such events and attendance is not to interfere with academic activities.

Report in writing, to D.A.R.E. America any actions or determination violating the aforementioned terms and conditions. Such communication shall be transmitted via United States Postal Service, registered mail, within five business days of becoming aware of the action or determination.

The D.A.R.E. America Board of Directors is pleased to offer a $20,000 scholarship to recognize academic excellence and reward students who remain true to the goals of the D.A.R.E. program. This scholarship is awarded annually to a qualified 12th grade student to attend the university or college of their choice. Payment will be made directly to the educational institution over a period of four academic years, not to exceed $5,000 per year.

Samuel Miranda Ferreira, D.A.R.E. Youth Advocacy Board Member from Brazil, was at a large D.A.R.E./Proerd graduation recently. He said, "Here in Brazil things are doing great! I am working with my State Police and attending to lots of D.A.R.E. graduations and classes...

After a state-wide search, an Alamogordo high school student has been selected to represent New Mexico as part of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Youth Advocacy Board. Bowen Perry, 16, was named to the position during the New Mexico D.A.R.E. Officers...

“I got the great opportunity to work with D.A.R.E. Officer JP Benitez at the Benton County Fair on Wednesday the 23rd and Thursday the 24th. We handed out information pamphlets to parents and interacted with children who were past and future D.A.R.E. graduates!”

Dona Ana County, NM — The New Mexico Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Officers’ Association held its annual training conference in Silver City this month, which was attended by D.A.R.E. officers from the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office. The annual training...